Derek McInnes refused to give up on the Europa League after his Aberdeen side’s 2-0 defeat by Real Sociedad in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie in San Sebastián.

The Dons started the match well and defended stubbornly in a goalless first half which was characterised by some wayward shooting by the home steam until David Zurutuza broke through the red resistance in the 53rd minute. The substitute Sergio Canales doubled that lead with and it might have been worse had Jamie Langfield not saved from substitute Imanol Agirretxe, who then missed another chance right at the end. The woodwork also helped Aberdeen leave Spain without a bigger mountain to climb in next week’s return leg.

“It’s been tough against a good team,” said McInnes. “We did well at the start, but then they’ve dominated completely. We need to learn from what happened tonight.

“Next week we will have to go out and attack, to score a goal. We won’t give up. Next Thursday we will go out in front of our fans, who today have given us a lot of support, and we hope to give them something to cheer. There are 90 minutes left, it will be difficult. It’s a challenge and we hope to be stronger and cause Real more problems.”

The Sociedad manager, Jagoba Arrasate, would have been happier if a third goal had been scored but was pleased enough with the lead they will take to Aberdeen. “It’s a good result but seeing how the game went it could’ve been bigger.” he said. “We’ve missed chances, the third goal to increase the advantage, but the feelings are positive. There [at Pittodrie] we need to do things well and go out to win.”